Page 7 of The Duke's Forbidden Bride
“Widowed,” she said quickly. “I-I am a widow, I mean.”
“Recently? Given the color of your dress.”
“Six months ago,” she answered, and then cursed herself inwardly.
Even if shewasa countess, she would not have returned to Society so soon. Heavens, what had that lonely, isolated life in the convent done to her mind?
“Six months ago,” he mused, and she had the sense that he did not believe a word she said. “You are very brave, then, to face Society so soon. Lady Charlotte must be very accommodating and thoughtful to invite you to her party so soon after your bereavement.”
“Indeed. She is very considerate.”
“How long are you staying?”
“Three days,” she uttered.
“Heavens.” He whistled, looking impressed. “It seems you are outstaying your host.”
As he spoke, a knock sounded at the door.
Eleanor flinched on instinct.
The man took another step toward her, his face still twisted in amusement as he reached around her. “Excuse me for a moment.”
He pulled open the door, giving her no chance to move out of the way.
A maid stood in the hallway, looking at him.
“Yes?” he prompted.
Peculiar.
Why would a maid look for him in here?
“Your Grace, I have more gifts for Lady Charlotte, but she has requested to not be disturbed until the announcement,” the maid relayed.
Eleanor’s eyes widened, her blood running cold.
Your Grace.
She thought back to the servants in the hallway.
“He has yet to show his face in the ballroom…”they had said.
Because he had been hiding out in the library.
Slowly, the man before her—no, not just a man, but the Duke of Everdawn himself, a man she had lied to so blatantly, Charlotte’s brother—dragged his gaze back to her.
A hint of a smile played on his lips. “Have the gifts sent to the autumnal wing.”
“The autumnal wing, Your Grace?”
“Lady Maplewood here should know where it is. After all, she is already settled in her rooms for three days.” He spoke as if it was an inside joke. As if he was teasing her.
Eleanor blushed hotly, hearing only mockery.
The Duke of Everdawn sighed, finally turning back to the maid. “Leave the gifts in my study. I shall give them to my sister later.”
Eleanor wondered what exactly had happened in the last three years. Had she missed the death of Charlotte’s father?
